Money orders are an inexpensive and secure method of sending funds almost anywhere in the world. Money orders are useful partly because they are prepaid. If a business owner uses a money order to pay for a supply or service from a vendor, he doesn’t have to worry about a check being returned for insufficient funds or cash being lost in the mail. If a money order winds up missing, it can be traced and replaced. Just submit an inquiry and the provider tracks the missing money order for you. If the money order has not been cashed, it will be replaced.

Retain the receipt you get when you purchase the money order. For USPS money orders, the receipt is the stub on the left of the money order. For a Western Union money order, the receipt is the bottom portion. Typically, Western Union money orders can be purchased at supermarkets, check cashing shops or convenience stores. Each receipt has a unique serial number printed on it. You will need this serial number in case you need to track and replace a missing money order.

Fill in the information on the receipt when you purchase a money order. Enter either your name or your business' name, your address, the date and the amount of the money order.

Take the receipt to your local post office if a USPS money order ends up missing. Complete a PS Form 6401 Money Order Inquiry. You will need to show a valid photo ID such as your driver’s license or military ID and pay a small fee. The USPS will trace the money order. If it has not been cashed, the USPS will issue a replacement.

Take your Western Union money order receipt to the agent where you purchased the money order. Make sure the receipt is completely filled out and pay the required fee. Western Union will trace the money order. If it has not been cashed, Western Union will replace the money order or refund your money.

Complete a Western Union Money Order Research Request if you do not have the receipt. This form is available on the Western Union website or you can get a blank form from an agent. Print the form and mail it along with the fee to the address on the form.